Massage Therapy

During a typical massage, I may incorporate all four modalities listed below into a treatment. My massage treatments can range from a very slow, soft and therapeutic experience to a more vigorous deep tissue style experience based on the needs and desires of the patient.

Massage Modalities

Swedish massage is the most common form of massage, first created in 1812 at the University of Stockholm. There are several types of strokes that make up a Swedish massage – long and gliding strokes, kneading and squeezing motions, gentle pounding like drumming, rhythmic and rapid shaking, and circular or perpendicular motions. The swedish massage is an excellent way to relax your muscles and can be helpful in reducing pain, joint stiffness, improving circulation and releasing of stored toxins. Acupressure is an ancient healing art using the fingers to stimulate acupuncture points. It is very similar to acupuncture – instead of using needles to stimulate points, the practitioner’s fingers are used instead. Acupressure releases tension, increases circulation, reduces pain and enhances emotional well-being. Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, light touch method of evaluating and correcting the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system consists of cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds, protects, nourishes and cleanses the brain and central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy was born out of cranio-osteopathy and was popularized by John Upledger, D.O., in 1975. An imbalance in the craniosacral system can cause sensory, motor or neurological imbalances, as well as inflammation, pain, postural changes, or chronic blockages that may impede the circulation of the multiple fluid and energetic systems, as well as circulation to major organs. Tui Na is a form of Chinese medical massage. Tui Na translates as ‘push and hold.’ There are many techniques involved in Tui Na – pressing, pointing, holding, pushing, scraping, rubbing, pinching, grasping, vibrating, knocking, lifting, rotating, brushing and wiping. Tui Na is used to remove obstructions and break up adhesions, relax the muscles, correct disalignments and restore homeostasis.

Life is challenging. Do you agree? I mean, come on, let’s be honest here. I practice medicine, live on a farm and am surrounded by beautiful, hard working, honest people. But this is a tough world to stay sane in. There is upheaval around every corner, both in the geopolitical arena and also in my own home.

That’s why a regular practice to something, anything is critical for my emotional and physical well being. It takes courage everyday to do it, to make the practice happen. I probably won’t even see the benefits until much later. I also need to build trust and faith that what I am doing is worth it.

My Daoist teacher, Master Chen, says you must follow the 3 D’s to achieve your goals. Discipline, Dedication, and Devotion to make your dreams come true. Commitment is the requirement! Make a decision to do the practice and then show up everyday.

I just completed a 100 day commitment to a Qi Gong practice that I committed to with a group of my students. The practice was sometimes grueling and I didn’t always want to show up and participate. But I did it anyway! Every day for 100 days.

My experience over the last 100 days has been tremendous growth. Not in the, ‘oh my gosh life is so awesome’ kind of way. But in the deep growth that is allowing me to become my most authentic self. The REAL stuff! So, this 100 day commitment is over, but not really. The doorway is now open for something new. ...